A “Sensitization Workshop on Multi-Sectoral Convergence for TB-Free Himachal Pradesh” under National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme was held at Raj Bhavan Shimla, today under the Chairmanship of Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The Workshop was organized by National Health Mission (NHM), Himachal Pradesh. On the occasion, the Governor emphasized the need to involve youth in tuberculosis eradication programme. He said that students of schools, colleges and universities should be associated with this campaign, it would also help in channelizing their energy in the right direction. He added that it was people oriented campaign, where Red Cross could also play an important role. Arlekar said that the Prime Minister has set a target of eradicating TB from the country by the year 2025, but Himachal has set this target for 2023.
He appealed to work together to achieve this goal and also stressed on the need to make every person aware about this disease. He said that we should not discriminate between urban and rural population in this campaign, but it should be implemented equally. He said that like the covid pandemic, a standard operating procedure should be prepared for this disease so that the infected person could be cured within a time period, which would also increase their confidence. He stressed upon the people associated with the mission to publicise the success stories of the cured persons. He said that with an aggressive campaign, we could eradicate this disease. Mission Director NHM Hem Raj Bairwa felicitated the Governor and briefed about the TB Mukt Himachal campaign. Regional Director, The Union, South East Asia Region Dr. K.S. Sachdeva said that it was a respiratory communicable disease which could be eliminated with people’s movement.
He said that in 2015 the real thought of eliminating TB was made and the Prime Minister has set a target to make the country TB free by 2025. He said that his Union has also involved 160 corporates with this campaign, which has set a target to increase to 500 in a year. He stressed on screening the entire population at regular intervals so that active cases could be detected. State Tuberculosis Officer-cum Deputy Mission Director NHM Gopal Beri gave a presentation on National TB elimination programme in the State. Regional Coordinator-Multi Sectoral Coordination (Achha Plus) Dr. Chandravali also gave presentation on Multi Sectoral co-ordination for TB Elimination Programme. She also stressed on awareness at all levels. On the occasion, representatives of various departments gave their valuable comments on role and responsibility under NTEP. Additional Director NHM Nishant Thakur proposed a vote of thanks.
